I DON'T own H.P
3.
Thursday night.
Mid October.
5 Years after the war.
10:25 pm.
After Hermione's birthday, Snape came in most nights. Although he would stay most nights until the early hours of the morning, he wouldn't drink much. He noticed quickly how tolerable Hermione's presence was. He also discovered how much he liked to read and discuss books with her. Honestly Severus didn't like to read when he was in a ridiculous state, it made him queezy. However he couldnt waltz in, to the slanted book, and not by a drink. In the Severus Snape book of etiquette that gesture would be considered rude.
Especially if he personally knew the owner, the pub was a quiet one as is, Severus did not want to take advantage. There are many things that Snape is, and being a sponge is NOT one of them.
Also the another thing that Snape knew, which he didn't want to admit, was that he was starting to feel like he cared for her. Of course if anyone went up to him and asked outright (he wouldn't be downright rude, gosh he may have been bad but he wasn't a monster... anymore!), he would simply say "She is the owner of my most favoured drinking establishment, I tolerate her presence."
Of course which is Snape language for, "This pub is my safe haven, and contains three of my favourite things, books, firewhiskey and Hermione Granger."
"Out of all the extraordinary books you have here Granger, I must admit that I enjoy your muggle collection the most..." Hermione's face went red as she placed her glass to her lips. "Oh really?" She teased.
"Hmm indeed..." he paused to take a drink of his butter beer. "I especially enjoyed this particular book on muggle conspiracy theories... By Herman Noe-Rigger, I believe." As soon as Severus said that name, she was blushing profusely, and subtly turned her head away. "Oh... That old thing..."
Severus attempted to keep his face natural, however found himself unable to stop his walls from crumbling down and roaring out with laughter.
"Nice try Hermione..." he spat out through his hysterics.
"Why?" He wheezed.
"Well I need to pay rent somehow Severus." She giggled.
As soon as Severus heard the sweet cacophony of laughter exit Hermione's mouth, Severus felt his heart swell slightly.
He quickly realised he was staring too much and cleared his throat and changed the subject.
"You keep avoiding this question but I shall keep asking until I am satisfied... Why a pub Granger? Just on your intellect alone you could have done great things. Why? Why are you alone? You yourself have mentioned a few times that, unbelievably, I am your only source of company... Surely that CAN'T be true?"
Hermione lowered her gaze.
"I... I... I couldn't cope with it Severus, the fame, and every single part of being in the golden trio. After... Vol... Voldemort was defeated, I just wanted time to think. Time to grieve. I didn't loose anyone technically, but I, we, lost people very dear to us. And my parents? Well they might as well be good as dead. They don't know who I am anymore, they are in Australia with their new obliviated life, with no memory of having a daughter. I needed space and time! And I wasn't even granted that. When we were captured in the Malfoy Manor, I saw and felt and experienced terrible things..." Severus placed his hand on Hermione's."...When it was all finished, all the rest of society expected us to go back to normal. I just couldn't, I wanted to get away, travel and do my own thing. But everyone held me back. Even my supposed best friends. Ron wanted to rush into marriage and children... But...But Severus I couldn't. They all thought me to be selfish, and pushed me out, they have never made any interest in getting in contact with me... So I left, I travelled, I went to as many libraries as possible and learnt so much. But I did it alone... Then, I saved enough money from 'my' book to open this pub, my safe haven, a place I have dedicated alot of time and effort into it. But yes I am still alone. And yes I have come to like your company alot..." A tear gracefully landed on Severus's hand. He quickly withdrew it. "I like to think you are my friend." She looked at him with teary eyes.
"I don't do friends... But... for some reason, you have wriggled in to my mind, yes I do consider you also to be someone who is special to me."
For Severus this was quite hard for him, any emotion is really, but a part of him felt like it was right to say that to her.
Snape cast a Tempus charm,
"It's half eleven... I should go Hermione."
"Ok." She said softly, vanishing his drinks and parchment.
Severus wrapped his arms around the troubled girl, then gently cupped her face, and looked her dead into her whiskey eyes.
"You should not have been put through all of that, I know what it's like to be constantly isolated. I am not a very good friend Hermione...But I will try, for You." He gently drew back and softly planted a kiss on her cheek, and left.
Hermione stood there watching him leave, just before he was out of sight he glanced back at her and bowed his head.
Hermione was full of emotion, when he was nowhere to be seen, she muttered out loud.
"I don't want to be your 'friend' anymore Severus..."
What could she mean????I hope you enjoyed this chapter!Please review, and be nice ahahmuch love!
oh and to awnser a question on the reviews... Yes, the Slanted Book does do snacks... But I have a feeling Snape isnt into snacks. Hahaha.
